Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894 Takedown Rifle

Serial Number: 16053

Year of Manufacture: 1896, Antique

Caliber: .30-30 W.C.F.

Action Type: This takedown rifle has a lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "-MANUFACTURED BY THE– / –WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.- ", "30 W.C.F.". The bottom of the receiver is marked "16053". The top tang is marked "MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. AUG. 21. 1894".

Barrel Length: 26", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece checkered high grade walnut with capped forend, checkered capped pistol grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The left side of the buttstock has a inlaid presentation plaque marked "Dan T. Goe. / from Mr. & Mrs. / Frank M. Stone.". The stocks display mild handling wear. There is a crack in the left side of the forend at the receiver extension. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored

Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel, bolt, and buttplate have been treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with deep rifling. There is light erosion down the length. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its current metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to white and taken to a dark patina. Most of the case color has muted. There is oxidation and erosion throughout. Parts have been treated with cold blue. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as a refinished antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Factory Records Letter and a signed research letter from Genealogist Fred W. Mooney and Historical Researcher and Western Author Ronald J. Ward regarding the names D.T. Goe and Mr. & Mrs. Frank M. Stone engraved on the nameplate.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1894 Deluxe Takedown rifle, manufactured in 1896, represents an early Antique-period example of Winchester’s landmark lever-action design chambered in the then-new .30-30 W.C.F. The takedown configuration, paired with deluxe features such as checkered high-grade walnut stocks, capped forend and pistol grip, steel crescent buttplate, and tang sight provisions, reflects a rifle ordered with both refinement and portability in mind. These elements place it squarely among the higher-grade sporting rifles offered by Winchester during the formative years of the Model 1894.

Of particular note is the inlaid nameplate on the left side of the buttstock, engraved to “Dan T. Goe” and presented from “Mr. & Mrs. Frank M. Stone,” a personal detail that elevates this rifle beyond a standard deluxe example. The accompanying Winchester Factory Records Letter, along with signed research letters by genealogist Fred W. Mooney and Western author Ronald J. Ward, adds documented historical context to the presentation. While the rifle has been refinished and shows the expected wear, patina, and erosion of a well-traveled Antique arm, the bore remains serviceable with deep rifling and the takedown action functions correctly. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!